Neils Christensen
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Apr 05/04) - Although he's only about a foot tall, it's pretty hard to miss Ed the Sock.

With his outspoken attitude and green hair, the Canadian icon has a commanding presence.

Ed was in Iqaluit for his first ever visit to the North, which was surprising for the sock who has seen everything.

"I expected to have my top layers of epidermis frozen solid from the cold," he said. "I didn't really know what to expect when I arrived."

Of all the places Ed could travel, the first question Nunavut News/North asked was why the North? Why not some place warm?

"I'm tired of Florida. Every year we do the March spring break thing. Every year it's the same meatheads from the U.S., doing the same stupid things."

Ed was invited to Nunavut to cover the third annual Nunavut Snow Challenge. He will be doing a feature for his weekly television show, Ed's Night Party, on CityTV. Coming North, Ed said, was an opportunity he just couldn't pass up.

"It's a chance to look at a whole different way of life. It's a whole other part of our country," he said.

During his stay in Iqaluit, Ed participated in some Northern activities. He said that his days were pretty much booked.

For his first day in Iqaluit, Ed spent some time out on the land travelling by dog team and snowmobiling. During his stay, he also had a chance to meet some local characters like Polar Man.

As much as Ed had planned for this trip, so had many Iqaluit residents.

"Since it was announced that I was coming up here I've received tons of e-mails. One guy wanted to take me to the Legion Friday night."

"We wanted to plan an evening out with some guys and girls; see what's there to do at night in the North," he said.

Ed also talked about his plans for organizing a Northern wet T-shirt contest.

"I wanted to get some girls to wear their parkas and throw snowballs at them," he said.

One thing that amazed Ed when he first arrived was the cost of anything.

"It's like someone is holding you hostage and you have to pay your own ransom," he said.

No interview with Ed the Sock would be complete without asking him about the perception that he is just a loud mouth and a smartass.

"I would rather be a smartass then a dumbass," he responded. "People usually get what they deserve."

Ed said the best part about getting to do what he does is just being himself.

"I get to expose the stupidity of famous people we put on these pedestals," he said.

"I'm just saying what people are thinking."